Bringing Hope to Valdosta, Georgia
Christine Rogers | christine.rogers@uss.salvationarmy.org
VALDOSTA, GA (September 30, 2024) - After unsuccessfully waiting in line for two hours to get ice, Jeff Burkhalter arrived in line for a Salvation Army meal. He’s been four days without power.
“I’m in line hopefully to bring something home to my grandkids.”
Several trees fell on top of his house, and another totaled a car that was parked in his driveway.
“When the storm hit you just heard, bang, bang! Everything was blowing and trees were falling. The most frightening thing was my granddaughter was so scared.”
Like many communities in Valdosta, Jeff says every home in his neighborhood has trees on it.
As he waited in line for his meal, Jeff was tired but thankful that his family is safe and that he could bring home a hot meal.
“I think it is extremely meaningful for The Salvation Army to be here because you are needed. Right now, this town is suffering. We feel shut down and out of touch with the rest of the world.”
LaSandra McDowell was also in line to bring home a meal to her grandchildren. This is the second disaster where she relied on a meal from The Salvation Army. She lived in Pompano, Florida when Hurricane Katrina hit.
“The Salvation Army fed everybody. You are all a blessing from God that he touches you to be able to do all the things you do for other people. He blesses you to bless other people.”
About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.